Here is the nomination letter I received from Kathi Kinnan:

There is this awesome family here in Camas Valley (not so far from Roseburg) who would make perfect candidates for a family photo giveaway. They most definitely cannot afford it. They began as a blended family in a little shack that could be a poster house for poverty in America. I doubt they even ever grumbled. Instead, they went about their business giving to the community time and time again: dad on the school board and mom coaching girl’s volleyball and basketball, and both very involved in their church.  They came together as dad and his two boys and mom and her two boys; all boys around the same ages.

A couple of years ago mom lost both her mother and father in the same year, quite coincidentally, and she was able to purchase a double-wide trailer for the family with the little money she received from the sale of their home. They parked it right next to the little shack and moved in.

Not long after that, or before it, I don’t really remember the time-frame, one of dad’s boys was in a football accident that required an x-ray. That x-ray changed their lives. The boy was diagnosed with bone cancer. The boy went through chemotherapy and had many hurrah moments, but then the cancer moved to his lungs. Their faith is strong, but their road has been longer than I can even imagine to this point. Because of the many trips back and forth to Portland for chemotherapy and checkup after checkup, dad has been unable to work as much as he would like, and his work is sporadic anyway.

A couple of weeks ago they made one of their trips up for a checkup where another couple of spots on the lungs were found. The boy is now 20ish and has decided on his own that he no longer wants chemotherapy. They have ordered an expensive juicer with some left over “Make a Wish” and community monies, and are currently looking at a couple of clinics (one of which is in Mexico) as a possibility, in which some serious fund raising would need to be undertaken–but no doubt would be accomplished.

The boy’s name is Dennis Wolfe. His father is Richard Wolfe and step mom Amy Wolfe. They are a most deserving and humble family who remain positive and hopeful. This family would make fine subjects for your artwork, of which would quite nicely fill their home.

Please consider this family in your holiday give-away. I love them so much.

Congratulations, Wolfe Family!!!!!! I can’t wait to set up your photo session and spend some time with the 6 of you.

And thank you to the family of judges who made this tough decision, you are SO appreciated and loved!

]]> http://www.amyholst.com/blog/winners-giving-is-awesome-contest-roseburg-oregon-family-photographer/feed/ 1 http://www.amyholst.com/blog/lilly-bird-roseburg-oregon-portrait-photographer/ http://www.amyholst.com/blog/lilly-bird-roseburg-oregon-portrait-photographer/#comments Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:38:21 +0000 Amy Holst http://www.amyholst.com/blog/?p=77 Meet sweet little Lilly.

She turned 2 months old last week and today she had her third photo session! I’ve been friends with Lilly’s mom, Cary, since we were in preschool and what an amazing friend she has been.

I just knew that Lilly would be born while we were on our family vacation to Disneyland in October and, sure enough, Cary texted me while we were driving to SoCal that she was in labor. She texted me again the next day to say that she was going in for a C-section as Lilly was being stubborn. I was thrilled when I received the news that Lilly had arrived and she and Cary were both doing well. I was heartbroken a week later when I got the news from Cary that her mother, Lilly’s grandma, had died very unexpectedly. I felt helpless being so far away, but knew that Cary was being taken care of by her wonderful hubby, Patrick, and all the rest of her family.

I’ve been amazed to see the way Cary has taken to motherhood and the love she has for Lilly, even in the midst of her pain.

I love you, Cary, and I’m so thankful for your beautiful little blessing!

Caleb and I found these amazingly cool lollipops a few weeks ago and they have been in my camera bag just BEGGING to be photographed So, I had to oblige . . .

I love this shot of Derek! He has such a fun personality, but normally hides it when the camera comes out, so it was great that the lollipop worked its magic on him, haha!

We hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful time of year. Things are finally slowing down a little bit for us, so we’re hoping to get some baking done this week.

Remember to check back on Christmas Eve when I will announce the winner of the GIVING IS AWESOME contest!!!

To kick off my blogging experience and to bless someone this Christmas, I thought a contest was in order! So, here’s the deal . . .

You know someone. You know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who is dealing with an illness, recovering from an accident, or discovering their new “normal” after the death of a loved one. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography. The winner will be awarded a free 2-hour photo session (to take place in 2010) on location in the Roseburg area, a $200 print credit, and a disc containing all the artist-approved images from their session. Whether it’s a storyboard, canvas, prints, or standouts, it’s in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season. Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $50 print credit from a future session. This is a good time to show some love!!!

The winner will be chosen by a team of 5 judges ranging in age from 10 to 40.

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside within the Roseburg area. Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me their story: amy@amyholst.com

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve — get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries! Open your heart to someone this holiday season — and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.